“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” ~ George Smith Patton
This weekend I began my yoga teacher training. After 16 hours over two days, my body is drained and sore, and my mind is full, in a good way. I gave my best at every moment. My mind expanded. Emotions long-buried surfaced in ways that surprised me. This is progress.
Sonic Yoga, where I am doing my training, is a classic Vinyasa studio with a relaxed, fun feel. The answer to every question is “it depends”. We are all treated as individuals, unique in our abilities to give and receive, unique in our needs and wants. And Sonic Yoga honors that individuality.
In our two hour practice this morning, our instructor, Jeffrey, said something during the midpoint of a particularly challenging pose for me. “Dance on the very edge of your practice.” That idea sat with me as I twisted more deeply into Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose). It’s out on the edge, on the very fringe of our existence and our abilities, that we find out what we’re really made of. It’s when we are pushed to our limits, physically, emotionally, and spirituality, that we hear those life-altering truths that are so hard to hear amidst the hubbub of our every day existence.
Jeffrey got the best from all of us, 22 women strong, not by telling us what to do but by telling us the destination. Go to the edge, just a little further than you ever thought possible. That edge will be different for all of us, but the intention is the same. Go out there and live, really live. Whether than means twisting more deeply into a pose, taking on a job that seems a bit beyond our abilities, or chasing a dream that seems just out of reach, it’s amazing what we can achieve if only we focus and extend and keep aiming for the edge. Our own ingenuity never ceases to surprise and delight.
The image above is not my own but it sure makes me laugh. It can be found here.
Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
Christa:
This is a great post, as usual. Please keep on writing and sharing. Your life is an inspiration. We feel grateful.
In my case, I wanted to start a new work-out program.
So, I started to read the literature, and decided to go for a long walk every day.
It was challenging. It was something new for me, so there were aches and pains all over my body. Ouch! I found it hard even to get out of bed, the next day, in the morning.
If you are patient with yourself, it works out in the end. That has been my learning experience. It takes a while for the body to adjust to a new routine. If you give yourself time, however, your body will adjust. At least this has been my experience, over time. Now I am good to go.
I think the daily practice of yoga will benefit your life. A total harmony of mind, body and spirit. Happy to know it is working out for you. And it will only get better from now onwards, so best wishes to you. And cheers to your life!
LikeLike
Love this! I feel like printing this out on my wall. So proud of you and I hope I can join you soon in this amazing practice!
LikeLike
Hi Dearest! Come on along. My body is seriously aching in muscles I never knew I had, but I think once I complete the training it will all be more than worth it!
LikeLike
was just about to email you about your yoga training, when I picked this blog up. So glad it went so well.
I guess in business terms it can be said to “stay on the cutting edge”? It’s a good place to be – where you set your own boundary, and then push beyond – like the settlers in the old American West.
And the fish reminds me of the one in Dr. Seuss!
LikeLike
It does remind me of Dr. Seuss, Mom 🙂
LikeLike
Christa, great post. This reminds me of what one of my senior told me “Go beyond expected to experience the true delight in your work”. Talking of Yoga, I hope I too start soon :).
How is life otherwise?
LikeLike
Hi Sumit! I love that quote. 🙂 Everything is life is great – loving my new job and very excited about this yoga training. Spring is heading our way in short order – I’m looking forward to seeing some green and feeling the warmer weather. How’s everything with you?
LikeLike
CR – you inspire me!
LikeLike
It is people like you, my dear friend, who keep me striving for ingenuity 🙂
LikeLike